Clearly you have experienced enough to know that you need to navigate wisely and with humor, around the many perils, perceived or imagined, perpetrated by the unconscious masses. There have always been, and will always be a lot more sheep than shepherds. When you spin around every now and then, because you briefly experience a deeply rooted yearning for human connection, and stare into that vast, lost sea of blank, remember: they probably couldn't tell you anything you'd dig anyway.
It's disturbing to know that people are shallow & ignorant enough to ask you something like that. I've been watching your older videos & reading some of the comments. It's hard to believe people actually leave comments of hate & ignorance. I hope these are just kids being stupid. Not that kids leaving these comments are any better but hopefully they will grow up & out of the mind set they are currently in. I think you're an intelligent, beautiful person with a great sense of humor & kind soul.
People, he has stated quite clearly on several occasions that he is male, but that it doesn't matter. So shut up and watch the fucking video, because it's awesome.
I once had a guy cross the street to ask me that. He had an accent, so I thought it was poor English. He clarified, "Are you boy or girl?". I was 17, and very frightened. It was a formative moment.
I enjoy this, thought-provoking talk and quite philosophical. There are moments in life we need to sit down and contemplate like Buddha sitting under a tree. Thank you.
That;s a great answer to a stupid question. Very thought- provoking, as usual. I think they were referring to your gender though, stupid asses that those people are.
I know what you are: an intelligent person with interesting ideas and informed opinions. Anything like the eponymous question is really missing the point. Oh, and I feel it prudent to suggest that your default answer to this should be simply 'I'm -Batman-', but that could be just my pop-culture mania talking. ;)
I agree. "What are you?" dehumanizes the person whom your asking. Though I do think the underlying question here is what your sexuality and gender is.
In asking "What are you?" they may also be asking, "What do you want me to label you as?" They can't decide for themselves what to make of you. Well I think what you are IS AWESOME!
"Easily digestible" is exactly what they're looking for.
Not to, for a change, be an ass, but.... This is one of those times where I have to say, "Just answer the question", for those who genuinely dont know, not those who are only deliberately ignorant. You are aware of exactly what is being asked, and why, but dancing around the issue like you seem to take great pleasure in doing isnt what was asked for. As you said, its a direct question - and when such is asked, a direct answer is appreciated.
Im the kind of person that believes that all should be questioned and analyzed, and sees no rudeness for that which is asked directly; indeed, i consider it rude and insulting both to beat around the bush,particularly if you do have a clear answer to give. And while I will be the first to say that all these silly issues with gender in particular should be left by the wayside, the fact remains,we do still live in a society that hasnt figured out yet how to deal with those of Us who fencestraddle.
@rkcoon The problem with what you've said here is that ZJ has answered the "What are you" question unambiguously and directly. That he keeps getting the question shows that the askers aren't looking hard enough for the answer themselves. I was curious too, so I looked to older videos and found my answer. Even if I hadn't found what I was looking for, I would have asked in a more polite manner. This video is an excellent response to the question, because there is more to a person than gender.
You get a complementary penis with a hair cut? I see a new business model emerging... Think of the demographic slice this could pull in, gay men, bisexuals of all stripes and straight women. You may just have saved the economy!
ZJ, I think people just get get upset when you declare by your actions (gender ambiguity) that the king has no clothes. They depend daily on their reliable beliefs and then you go and suggest that that ground under their feet is about as solid as air.
Don't understand the question. You are a human beeing just like me and everybody else. Noting more noting less whit al the rights and the wrongs and the how's and why's. I Can't understand why that is so hard to grasp. But on the other hand I might be a bit unintelligent when it comes to stupid questions ;-) . Regards and have a skilful life. Pinge (and thanks for a good video)
This is actually good video.. really! But something strange has your videos and channel. You are making videos about everything but speaking from your side (point) of view, It's seems that you know really whats going on in the universe (source of it is your knowledge and fantasies but.. ) in realness things can be different from everyone's point of view I suppose..
That was from MY point of view .. but it also could be ...... you know what I mean ))
Interesting, all these things you consider yourself to be. Ultimately, you are nothing and that's your worth. Don't take it personally... remember it's just coming from a nihilist. ha.
Then why... THE FUCK are you watching his FUCKING VIDEOS? I dont understand this! Why are you watching it if you hate it? Shut up, you are a retard and had no reason to make that comment you are a masochistic and sadistic bastard, why are you even talking? Fuck off.
"you would get killed if you said some of these things to people."
It's very telling that you think I'm the one who's done something wrong here. Do you approve of Muslims burning down an embassy because of cartoons of Mohammed, too?
im not the one with my life on youtube for everyone to see.
you know NOTHING about the person you're talking to.
therefor assuming anything about me is quite ignorant of you.
I never said you've done anything wrong; we call that slander. just because i disagree with your life-style, does not mean I feel you should die. however, being gay is not efficient and pretty much useless.
annnnd once again you've conveniently ignored the points i've presented.
she does not have to respond to your needless opinions on her lifestyle its her life and its her religion. the best thing to do is. if you dont like her videos and her voicing of opinions and life style than dont watch them and don't keep coming back.
You're in no position to determine what other people think they are without asking them. Many people use hyperbole humorously to describe themselves, especially in monikers online.
I think you probably know this. In other words, you're confused, and instead of stating this, or instead of asking questions to try to reach a better understanding, you find it more convenient to be dishonest, to simply make false claims about someone else. Shame on you.
I very much enjoy ZJ's videos, as do many people. He is very articulate, and his videos are very thought provoking and helped me to consider many issues in new ways. What is your purpose in disparaging him as you do?
What's the point of telling him that some people would kill him for what he says? Is that some kind of veiled threat? Are you implying he should shut up to avoid offending the willfully ignorant and intolerant?
Coople: YouTube is a video-brodcasting website; ZJ has the rights to voice his opinions and voice over YouTube. That is part of the site's purpose: voicing your opinion.
Shorter and elegant, or dumbed-down and black and white? You obviously need more education as you don't have any idea what you are talking about, case in point.
I loved it ZJ. Beautifully done, you are such a wealth of talent. I'd love to compare poetry or short stories some time if you have any, or the time. I sure as hell have plenty of time, too much of it spent in a hospital but I might as well make the most of it.
I guess that I expected you to make it a little overly complicated ZJemptv.
The answer that I might myself have given to, 'what are you?' questions is;
I am well thanks, or I am pants.
then it is customary to say something along the lines of, 'hey what are you then?' back at em, in case they say something unexpected like 'an abstraction'.
When I first saw ZJ I was watching his video on Karma because I was researching it. I knew immediately with out question he was male, with out bothering to squabble over this fact, I appreciated his nonchalant attitude on disregarding karma. It is very sad people keep tripping on this same obstacle here they've laid down purposefully as their own limitation, that we keep having to reach our hand out over and again to pull them out of their chosen ignorance. They OBVIOUSLY choose to be ignorant.
You reminded me something Gore Vidal said to an interviewer that asked him whether he had lost his virginity to a man or a woman, to which Vidal replied: "I had enough courtesy not to ask".
you hear that question alot because its really hard to tell if your male or female, when people ask "what are you" they probably only want to know whether you are in fact male or female, you give a long drawn out answer that is completely irrelevent to what most people really want to know when asking "what are you". while what you say IS correct for the most part the fact of knowing it really wont help anyone. over analyzing things doesn't make you look smart most of the time btw
This doesn't change the fact that even if people 'just' want to know something so relatively innocuous, it's still not their business! I don't understand why people even care. What does it matter to anyone? Why should they 'need' to know this?
Wow, this video is so great, you remind me of Alan Watts, the philosopher who contemplated "who am I?" His short speech on the question is really interesting, you should check it out it you have not already.
yes it's me again posting a bombardment of comments just because I can't fill it all in one entry. Anyway, I've attached my video responses of the videos I promised to make. I shared them with you but I think due to the lack of time you didn't or couldn't respond. I hope you do this time. In case I am getting annoying or I have the effect of seeking attention, feel free to notify me about it. Enjoy the video and the challenge I confronted you with.
I have added this video to my playlist of the Dark Side of the Spirit. People may confuse the word dark with evil but that's their choice I don't feel like interfering with.
Anyway, I'd love to have the textfile of this blog video. I would love to use it to respond to specific individuals are having issues with getting an answer from the what are you question they once confronted me with. You can send it as a pm if you like. I respect it if you think it's better not to.
The fact that you would call someone mentally ill without any true basis for such a claim demonstrates that you have no respect for or understanding of the seriousness of such issues, and that's disappointing.
Here's some of that moral descent you long for: You've interpreted this in what may be the most ass-backwards way possible. Your idea that *I'm* the one who's out of line for responding to people who bluntly ask "what are you?" in a comparatively gentle and contemplative manner is an inversion of all standards of decency. Your characterization of this as "thin-skinned" and "whiny" is utterly baseless. You'd like a more straightforward answer? I'm a human fucking being, not a "what" or an "it".
It seems to me, that if you took a step back and thought about it, your issue is with the English language itself. Both you and I are a "what" and an "it" in the right context. There's no easy way, that I'm aware of, to ask what a person is in relation to complex gender issues. Since you revel in gender ambiguity, these questions will arise. When people ask "what are you", they do so out of ignorance, not rudeness. The correct way to deal with ignorance is to correct people, not become indignant
The correct way to deal with ignorance? Really? I normally deal with it on a person by person basis. Some people are to be treated with kindness, and others like the worm cum that they are. Some people ask ZJ out of innocent ignorance, and others to just make fun, or to insult him. Why should he treat everyone the same? I thought he dealt with this perfectly. By not addressing any one person directly he could act in a neutral fashion. Which he did and it was perfectly executed.
"When people ask "what are you", they do so out of ignorance, not rudeness."
You don't know this. I'm sure a lot of people find a person presenting themselves ambiguously, as ZJ does, very provocative and therefore attack such persons verbally or physically. But the inability of these people to deal with their own confusion isn't ZJ's fault or problem. IMO that's the real issue here.
Could you have writen a more dishonest piece of sophistry?
You dismiss, with no reason, a safe assumption that I made that a person who asks a question does so bacause the don't know the answer. Instead, you propose, without a shred of evidence, that people who ask questions, do so out of hostility. You go on to assert (again without any reason) that your hypothetical proposal is "the real issue". This leads me to one question.
Excuse me?? What is your problem? No, don't answer, I know. You think that everyone who disagrees with you must be an idiot and wrong. Sheesh. I can't see that I did anything other than express *my opinion* in a respectful way, and in fact, I didn't even disagree with you beyond saying that not everyone will have the same reason for asking the same question.
Do you KNOW that *everyone* who asks 'what are you?' does so out of ignorance? NO, you do not know that.
Not got nothing nice to say? Don't say anything, your not perfect either, and don't comment back, don't get weird idea's i'm not intimidated by you, and if you comment me back with a reply i won't comment back even if it is offensive because you just did what I asked you not to do, and if i get hate mail... I'd gunna be deleted don't waste your time, go find a diffrent video if you don't like.
ZJemptv, I'm a big fan of yours and you do great videos, but I have to call bullshit on this one.
Whether you deliberatly portray yourself in a gender-ambigous manner, or you're simply comfortable with that image, you have to live with the fact that that's going to bring both good and bad things. There are those who will cheer you on, others who will be haters and some who will just go WTF? Simply because someone doesn't "get" you and is blunt about that fact, doesn't make them rude.
I've watched this video several times now and I am still very very impressed. The choice of video and music just beautifully complement what is really well written and read narration.
I think you should definitely try more stuff like this. The aesthetic complement takes it to a whole other level.
I think you've managed something that is rare. Philosophical words of this quality are rare enough, but to match it so well with visuals and music, wow, so amazingly evocative.
I had to give this another listen today. It makes me feel....optimistic. That's a strange and uncommon sensation to sprout from viewing a Youtube video. And nice, too.
You already know that the real question isn't "What are you?" rather it's a request of you to place yourself in one of the preconceived categories which exist in that person's mind in order for him to know how to treat you.
Yeah, yeah, very pretty. Etc. But cut the shit, alright? I mean, i agree with you on most points, if not all of the ones i've heard on this channel--you're a smart guy. But when someone asks it, just answer! Why must you dance around the acutal answer they want by just saying, "I'm a person", or other crap? It's getting old. He's a transexual guy! There's nothing wrong with that, ZJ, and from the way you're acting it seems like you think there is.
Hey now. I suppose you have a point, but that's not what i mean. It just seems like you're avoiding the question. Although i totally support you in what you do and don't really care what gender you are, they've asked a question with very obvious desires for an answer. Instead of telling them that you wouldn't answer it or just answering it the way they want, you dance around and make videos being very vague. While these videos are very pretty, it's not what they want and you know it.
ZJ, why do you think it's so rude for people to ask you what you are? Or if you are a man or a woman?
You talk in this video of the insationable need to know more, the anticipation of learning something new, the desire for learning, and the joys of thought.
Now it may well be that many if not most who ask such supposedly "rude" questions of you are not pursuing any of these "higher" ideals, but just maybe some are.
I just wonder why you find it so offensive exactly. Do you think it is good and highly valuable to have secrets? To wilfully prevent the spread of knowledge?
In fact, some sense I think it is ironic that you are willing to launch into this very very deep and honest explanation of what you are as a human, as a conscious being, and yet you seem unwilling to answer what can seem like much more mundane questions relating to your gender.
I personally have no great interest in your gender identify or sexuality. I'm more interested in exploring, and perhaps nudging you to explore, your apparent sensitivities regarding these issues.
On the other hand I could understand that you may be entirely justified in not even wanting to attempt genuine conversation and interaction with the type of peopl who usualy ask these questions, simply because it would be wasted on them and little good would likely come from it....
It can seem like you are saying "This bit, this part of me, is off limits. I will not discuss it. I will not allow any investigation. I will not allow you to explore it. I will withold any knowledge I have it from you. And anyone who dares even try to examine it will be labelled 'rude.'"
Potentially quite anti-intellectual. No? Anti-philosophy. Anti-insight. Really, potentially, the antithesis, I would imagine, of some of you most cherished values.....
No to all of the above. The phrasing of the question reduces a person to a thing; it is an indignity on par with calling a person "it". Bad things follow from treating a person as an object. It is not the product of good-natured interest.
I don't know that that's bad. Maybe I just treat objects better than you do! Hehe.
But serously....so it is the intent underlying the question that is the problem for you then.
I've seen comments on your channel questioning your gender identity, and it appears to me that at least some of them are genuinely interested in expanding their knowledge of you, and therefore of the world.
Would you answer genuine questions and curiosity about these issues with genuine answers?
Admittedly I haven't been following your channel for long, but I haven't seen you express you gender-self identity on youtube. I have seen you seemingly intentionally avoiding expressing it.
Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe there's value in leaving these people to keep wondering. Maybe there's other value in it that I haven't imagined.
You're a smart..ummmmmm...what are you again.....person - hopefully you've got good reasons for why you adress it as you do.
I'm really shocked you have to defend this video. You've completly and correctly interpreted the question posed to you and have answered perfectly. Bravo.
Good Day ZJ,
Clearly you have experienced enough to know that you need to navigate wisely and with humor, around the many perils, perceived or imagined, perpetrated by the unconscious masses. There have always been, and will always be a lot more sheep than shepherds. When you spin around every now and then, because you briefly experience a deeply rooted yearning for human connection, and stare into that vast, lost sea of blank, remember: they probably couldn't tell you anything you'd dig anyway.
HumanEscent 1 year ago
It's disturbing to know that people are shallow & ignorant enough to ask you something like that. I've been watching your older videos & reading some of the comments. It's hard to believe people actually leave comments of hate & ignorance. I hope these are just kids being stupid. Not that kids leaving these comments are any better but hopefully they will grow up & out of the mind set they are currently in. I think you're an intelligent, beautiful person with a great sense of humor & kind soul.
sheri226 1 year ago
I love you!
anukefromrussia 1 year ago
People, he has stated quite clearly on several occasions that he is male, but that it doesn't matter. So shut up and watch the fucking video, because it's awesome.
bridosbabe 1 year ago
I once had a guy cross the street to ask me that. He had an accent, so I thought it was poor English. He clarified, "Are you boy or girl?". I was 17, and very frightened. It was a formative moment.
mctanuki 1 year ago
You missed a few ZJ: To "What are you?" pls add: "I am an intelligent commenter", "I am a poet", "I am a beautiful mind." and "I rock!"
because you are all those things ZJ.
drfoxcourt 1 year ago
Lovely, beautiful, amazing. Thanks for sharing this, it's very touching.
uBeR1337gUy 1 year ago
I enjoy this, thought-provoking talk and quite philosophical. There are moments in life we need to sit down and contemplate like Buddha sitting under a tree. Thank you.
vdtmh 1 year ago
:) *hug*
indytchn0 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This is so beautiful.
BloodyRomances 1 year ago
This video is awesome. Really Really awesome and mature! If you don't mind I'm going to share it on my blog.
CanisLupus1987 1 year ago
That;s a great answer to a stupid question. Very thought- provoking, as usual. I think they were referring to your gender though, stupid asses that those people are.
bookcreator 1 year ago
I like how your videos can be so deep, yet so direct.
squigoo 1 year ago
ZJ this is beautiful. You are beautiful. And you made my day. Thank you :)
ennahoja 1 year ago
I know what you are: an intelligent person with interesting ideas and informed opinions. Anything like the eponymous question is really missing the point. Oh, and I feel it prudent to suggest that your default answer to this should be simply 'I'm -Batman-', but that could be just my pop-culture mania talking. ;)
Defender7591 1 year ago
You took an ugly comment and turned it into a seed of something beautiful.
theinquisitor 1 year ago
You are poised for the bigtime.
RideswithChuck 1 year ago
I think I like your mind. Don't really care about the packaging.
cursingyorick 1 year ago
Beautiful!
doorcodad 1 year ago 2
I agree. "What are you?" dehumanizes the person whom your asking. Though I do think the underlying question here is what your sexuality and gender is.
JohnsTheGuest 1 year ago
I am human
Fenir2004 1 year ago
"What I am? I'm Spiderman."
jimbob3332 1 year ago
Marvelous! ZJ is it possible to get a transcript of this video?
doorcodad 1 year ago
In asking "What are you?" they may also be asking, "What do you want me to label you as?" They can't decide for themselves what to make of you. Well I think what you are IS AWESOME!
"Easily digestible" is exactly what they're looking for.
Beautifully done video!!! 5 stars and subscribed!
GuerrillaAtheism 1 year ago
Not to, for a change, be an ass, but.... This is one of those times where I have to say, "Just answer the question", for those who genuinely dont know, not those who are only deliberately ignorant. You are aware of exactly what is being asked, and why, but dancing around the issue like you seem to take great pleasure in doing isnt what was asked for. As you said, its a direct question - and when such is asked, a direct answer is appreciated.
rkcoon 1 year ago
Here's a direct answer: "What are you" is an astoundingly rude question to ask a person. I'm a human fucking being, just like you. Have a nice day.
ZJemptv 1 year ago 17
Im the kind of person that believes that all should be questioned and analyzed, and sees no rudeness for that which is asked directly; indeed, i consider it rude and insulting both to beat around the bush,particularly if you do have a clear answer to give. And while I will be the first to say that all these silly issues with gender in particular should be left by the wayside, the fact remains,we do still live in a society that hasnt figured out yet how to deal with those of Us who fencestraddle.
rkcoon 1 year ago 2
@rkcoon The problem with what you've said here is that ZJ has answered the "What are you" question unambiguously and directly. That he keeps getting the question shows that the askers aren't looking hard enough for the answer themselves. I was curious too, so I looked to older videos and found my answer. Even if I hadn't found what I was looking for, I would have asked in a more polite manner. This video is an excellent response to the question, because there is more to a person than gender.
AislinCade 1 year ago
6,666 views =D
2two1one0zero 1 year ago
People ask me this all the time.
It's very rude.
I get a haircut and BOOM! I've got a penis.
skullyratSG 2 years ago
You get a complementary penis with a hair cut? I see a new business model emerging... Think of the demographic slice this could pull in, gay men, bisexuals of all stripes and straight women. You may just have saved the economy!
tetsubo57 1 year ago
Very cool video. Unfortunately, you will lose the vast majority of people who ask you what you are, at "I am"...
TIMOTHYSAARINEN 2 years ago
Great video. Very well written and presented. 5 Stars!
And thanks for introducing me to that Kevin MacLeod site. I've been downloading like crazy.
KarlHeinzofWpg 2 years ago
ZJ, I think people just get get upset when you declare by your actions (gender ambiguity) that the king has no clothes. They depend daily on their reliable beliefs and then you go and suggest that that ground under their feet is about as solid as air.
keegiebear 2 years ago
ur big words make my brain ache
jessehardy 2 years ago
@jessehardy
That comment makes you look like a hollow brained idiot. It's overused and not funny.
Your brain cannot hurt from listening to words.
skullyratSG 2 years ago
@skullyratSG
funny? i like looking at those trippy backgrounds but that funky vocab of zj's just gives me a headache (:
jessehardy 2 years ago
Then get a dictionary :P
skullyratSG 2 years ago
Don't understand the question. You are a human beeing just like me and everybody else. Noting more noting less whit al the rights and the wrongs and the how's and why's. I Can't understand why that is so hard to grasp. But on the other hand I might be a bit unintelligent when it comes to stupid questions ;-) . Regards and have a skilful life. Pinge (and thanks for a good video)
PingeMusic 2 years ago
This is actually good video.. really! But something strange has your videos and channel. You are making videos about everything but speaking from your side (point) of view, It's seems that you know really whats going on in the universe (source of it is your knowledge and fantasies but.. ) in realness things can be different from everyone's point of view I suppose..
That was from MY point of view .. but it also could be ...... you know what I mean ))
TCBLSA 2 years ago
Music choice = eloquent, content = devine.
You ARE the human season; all the alphabet in one. Don't ever forget it.
Loriixoxo 2 years ago 7
you know, ZJ. I never used to fully understand what your big deal was with this kind of thing. I always thought you were dodging the question.
but the more i think about it, the more i agree. We are nothing and everything.
Ilikenuman 2 years ago 2
Truthfully, I was never the one making a big deal of it :|
ZJemptv 2 years ago 3
Nicely done, my friend. Nicely done.
TheAmishking 2 years ago
"I'm human like you, you stupid bigot."
... but this answer is definitely more poetic.
Tigranis 2 years ago
Very clever.
BeekersSqueakers 2 years ago
Jack Kerouac?
I'm your sexbuddy? steady boyfriend vacation spot
Azoicum 2 years ago
Interesting, all these things you consider yourself to be. Ultimately, you are nothing and that's your worth. Don't take it personally... remember it's just coming from a nihilist. ha.
OdeToNecrophilia 2 years ago 3
beautiful
marvincontendo 2 years ago
Wonderfully said.
mediteight 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
seriuolsy shut the fuck up... voice gets on my nerves......
Halfwaythere112 2 years ago
Then why... THE FUCK are you watching his FUCKING VIDEOS? I dont understand this! Why are you watching it if you hate it? Shut up, you are a retard and had no reason to make that comment you are a masochistic and sadistic bastard, why are you even talking? Fuck off.
AnterosOfTheNyboriag 2 years ago 3
Fuck you, fuckin low life bastards
Halfwaythere112 2 years ago
Waaaa
C0mmanderMB 2 years ago
Excellent video, one that I think surpasses most of your previous videos ;D
TheReasonWhyGuy 2 years ago
I really hope you have/will some day publish a book.
JustForTheDead 2 years ago
facta non verba.
poetry is nice, but in the end it amounts to nothing.
what have you done in the past few months besides put down other religions and support faggotry?
how have you REALLY helped anyone?
two people are not made of the same things, or everyone would be exactly the same and have the same lives and live the same paths.
even if its necessary to say that our dna makeup is different, at least itll shut you the fuck up.
facta non verba,
deeds not words.
Coople 2 years ago
"what have you done in the past few months besides put down other religions and support faggotry?"
How about support atheism and oppose homophobia?
ZJemptv 2 years ago
that's EXACTLY what i mean.
sitting behind the comfort of your screen is nice and dandy, but you would get killed if you said some of these things to people.
yes it sucks that people are that intolerant, but sitting behind a screen and voicing your opinion is nothing new or outstanding.
in essence, you're doing nothing, and have done nothing.
Coople 2 years ago
"you would get killed if you said some of these things to people."
It's very telling that you think I'm the one who's done something wrong here. Do you approve of Muslims burning down an embassy because of cartoons of Mohammed, too?
ZJemptv 2 years ago
I never said anything about Muslims.
im not the one with my life on youtube for everyone to see.
you know NOTHING about the person you're talking to.
therefor assuming anything about me is quite ignorant of you.
I never said you've done anything wrong; we call that slander. just because i disagree with your life-style, does not mean I feel you should die. however, being gay is not efficient and pretty much useless.
annnnd once again you've conveniently ignored the points i've presented.
Coople 2 years ago
she does not have to respond to your needless opinions on her lifestyle its her life and its her religion. the best thing to do is. if you dont like her videos and her voicing of opinions and life style than dont watch them and don't keep coming back.
vidlisa131 2 years ago
lol
.
she is a he, my friend.
Coople 2 years ago
i am not your friend and yea maybe but what ever
vidlisa131 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
lol.
go back to your life of high school drama.
your opinion means nothing.
Coople 2 years ago
"He" thinks "he" is the "Queen of Atheism."
Queens are female rulers. In other words he's confused.
kefka46tx 2 years ago
kefka46tx (Isaac) -
You're in no position to determine what other people think they are without asking them. Many people use hyperbole humorously to describe themselves, especially in monikers online.
I think you probably know this. In other words, you're confused, and instead of stating this, or instead of asking questions to try to reach a better understanding, you find it more convenient to be dishonest, to simply make false claims about someone else. Shame on you.
infideluxe 2 years ago
Inefficient and useless for what?
I very much enjoy ZJ's videos, as do many people. He is very articulate, and his videos are very thought provoking and helped me to consider many issues in new ways. What is your purpose in disparaging him as you do?
What's the point of telling him that some people would kill him for what he says? Is that some kind of veiled threat? Are you implying he should shut up to avoid offending the willfully ignorant and intolerant?
Arkalius80 2 years ago
Coople: YouTube is a video-brodcasting website; ZJ has the rights to voice his opinions and voice over YouTube. That is part of the site's purpose: voicing your opinion.
XxXLucozadeXLoverXxX 2 years ago
please show me where i told him to stop ever posting a video again?
Coople 2 years ago
The way you commented indicates that you think he shouldn't voice his opinion in my eye.
XxXLucozadeXLoverXxX 2 years ago
re-read it then.
I simply said that his opinion was wrong and that everyone is not made of the same things.
I indicated nothing.
look up "libel" while you're at it.
Coople 2 years ago
And opinions is an opinion; it isn't wrong or right. That is why it is an opinion.
XxXLucozadeXLoverXxX 2 years ago
"an opinion" not, "and opinions"
Coople 2 years ago
Well Put.. i love this. i love how you phrased it. and the way you said it. Amazing.
I does not really matter "what she is" she is who she is it really isn't anyone elses concern.
vidlisa131 2 years ago
By the way, im sure that if there is an answer to the question what are you? it will be shorter and more elegant than this...
vechio80 2 years ago
Shorter and elegant, or dumbed-down and black and white? You obviously need more education as you don't have any idea what you are talking about, case in point.
hoboboxerjoe 2 years ago
This reminds me of an LSD trip I had in my teens.......great night....
Infinitpossibilities 2 years ago
Comment removed
ghfrjhn 2 years ago
Beautiful video... thank you
Gregroix 2 years ago
I don't have an answer,
Luvs,
mooz
moomay11649 2 years ago
You really inspire me.
Thanks for your videos.
armando101it 2 years ago
Simple - elegant - almost Buddhist in the thoughts ...
Q: How long did it take you to get it down ?
.
curiousgeorge1940 2 years ago
About a day.
ZJemptv 2 years ago
lol it looks like we live in the same city
Xendmust 2 years ago
I loved it ZJ. Beautifully done, you are such a wealth of talent. I'd love to compare poetry or short stories some time if you have any, or the time. I sure as hell have plenty of time, too much of it spent in a hospital but I might as well make the most of it.
hoboboxerjoe 2 years ago
That was one of the best things I have ever heard. Thank You.... For all that you are.
jasonsbitch73 2 years ago
Beautiful.
ReallyNow9 2 years ago
Wow. Amazing video. Thank you for this.
rolexxx11 2 years ago
You're a beautiful person.
stjimmy41 2 years ago 2
Well done... beautiful, thoughtful (and thankfully devoid of any retreat into superstition)
trevorrotzien 2 years ago
What are you?
You are creative... even, brilliant.
You are articulate, intelligent, and witty.
You are quite brave.
You are an inspiration to others.
Bravo.
fotomatt69 2 years ago 3
also, i added this to my playlist of Atheist poems, check it out and let me know if there are any i should add
SkeptikSnarf 2 years ago
what are you? you are human,
SkeptikSnarf 2 years ago
.... sums it up pretty well ... Glad to see a thinking human being on the tube.
curiousgeorge1940 2 years ago
Nice adverts
lumpybruisychickeny1 2 years ago
Neat Video
SocialAnarchism 2 years ago
Beautiful video. Eloquently said.
Why cant people let others be who they are, or at least who they want to be, instead of forcing everyone to fit in little boxes.
dmh2k7 2 years ago
I guess that I expected you to make it a little overly complicated ZJemptv.
The answer that I might myself have given to, 'what are you?' questions is;
I am well thanks, or I am pants.
then it is customary to say something along the lines of, 'hey what are you then?' back at em, in case they say something unexpected like 'an abstraction'.
It is always best to check IMO.
marsCubed 2 years ago
Cool video! I like the scene with the laser; I'm going to try that next time it's foggy.
TR2611 2 years ago
I was reffering to ZJ, not Jesus. Sorry for any confusion.
Still haven't found the sidebar.
corksmusic1 2 years ago
Jesus, are you are good at everything?
You're an intellectual, mathmatician, teacher, singer (Rock around the clock was great) and now, poet!
I can't even find the sidebar.
corksmusic1 2 years ago
When I first saw ZJ I was watching his video on Karma because I was researching it. I knew immediately with out question he was male, with out bothering to squabble over this fact, I appreciated his nonchalant attitude on disregarding karma. It is very sad people keep tripping on this same obstacle here they've laid down purposefully as their own limitation, that we keep having to reach our hand out over and again to pull them out of their chosen ignorance. They OBVIOUSLY choose to be ignorant.
HEIBAOSHEN 2 years ago
You reminded me something Gore Vidal said to an interviewer that asked him whether he had lost his virginity to a man or a woman, to which Vidal replied: "I had enough courtesy not to ask".
InfectedDaemon 2 years ago
This is so beautiful. It is beyond poetry. I am waiting for your book. I am awestruck. Thank you.
gorilladogs 2 years ago
you hear that question alot because its really hard to tell if your male or female, when people ask "what are you" they probably only want to know whether you are in fact male or female, you give a long drawn out answer that is completely irrelevent to what most people really want to know when asking "what are you". while what you say IS correct for the most part the fact of knowing it really wont help anyone. over analyzing things doesn't make you look smart most of the time btw
shocxxxx 2 years ago
How about this: This answer is more than anyone who asks a person "what are you?" deserves at all.
ZJemptv 2 years ago
This doesn't change the fact that even if people 'just' want to know something so relatively innocuous, it's still not their business! I don't understand why people even care. What does it matter to anyone? Why should they 'need' to know this?
LeishaCamden 2 years ago
I think your a freaking Martian a product or a prototype
Morenob 2 years ago
As always, very good presentation. Helps press home the point.
wellsminn 2 years ago
I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together. ;)
educatedsavage 2 years ago
youuuuuu.. areeeeee annnoyyyiinnnggg! xD
mbison83 2 years ago
Sorry,that was to wilsondano
coolintruddle 2 years ago
Perfect!
melodymoments 2 years ago
Wow, this video is so great, you remind me of Alan Watts, the philosopher who contemplated "who am I?" His short speech on the question is really interesting, you should check it out it you have not already.
JohnnyRadiohead 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
What are you?
i am sure u have a penis
do u tuck it bck so it look like vagina
i know u do
Wilsondano1 2 years ago
quit being a retard
coolintruddle 2 years ago
Wilsondano1 is that what u like?
u say u "know"
how do u know? do u spy on peoples lifes? idiot
DarkBenny84 2 years ago
I like it!
amberb57 2 years ago
very good - love your reading.....did u write that>? Very Profound esp. in blk and wht
rextrek 2 years ago
Well done! Thanks!
cjay2 2 years ago
"What are you?" ...how cruel. Keep fighting the good fight ZJ. =D
chefmarcgirard 2 years ago
Dear ZJ,
yes it's me again posting a bombardment of comments just because I can't fill it all in one entry. Anyway, I've attached my video responses of the videos I promised to make. I shared them with you but I think due to the lack of time you didn't or couldn't respond. I hope you do this time. In case I am getting annoying or I have the effect of seeking attention, feel free to notify me about it. Enjoy the video and the challenge I confronted you with.
Yours truly,
DunZero
DunZero 2 years ago
Every time some one asks me this question just to make themselves feel better without being actually interested, I oftenly reply: a human being.
DunZero 2 years ago
oh and in some cases I'd say: your worst nightmare.
but yeah that one is old fashion.
I don't know what I would say but I am more of the type of person who would deflect the question with a question of my own.
DunZero 2 years ago
I have added this video to my playlist of the Dark Side of the Spirit. People may confuse the word dark with evil but that's their choice I don't feel like interfering with.
Anyway, I'd love to have the textfile of this blog video. I would love to use it to respond to specific individuals are having issues with getting an answer from the what are you question they once confronted me with. You can send it as a pm if you like. I respect it if you think it's better not to.
~DunZero
allianceofdemons 2 years ago
Wow....
samOFblorx 2 years ago
Euclidean visual bias mass rational depression.
Hapirott 2 years ago
Ugh, this is good an everything, but it seemed like at any moment you were going to try and sell me a car. This is what those adverts do, dammit.
Munkeh999 2 years ago
Beautiful!
hilleltt 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You are a fucking whack job.
it is clear that you are a man.
and you are suffering with some mental illness.
XSceneXXDiamondX 2 years ago
I'd like to down-rate your comment too, but then it will disappear and nobody could laugh anymore about you emptiness and stupidity
lol
Umbalafum 2 years ago
The fact that you would call someone mentally ill without any true basis for such a claim demonstrates that you have no respect for or understanding of the seriousness of such issues, and that's disappointing.
samOFblorx 2 years ago
(continued)
In short, you need to quit being so thin skined and get off your moral high horse.
Several of your subscribers have clled you out on your shit and they happen to be right.
Grow up and get over it. You're acting like a whiny child.
Scrapheap71 2 years ago
Here's some of that moral descent you long for: You've interpreted this in what may be the most ass-backwards way possible. Your idea that *I'm* the one who's out of line for responding to people who bluntly ask "what are you?" in a comparatively gentle and contemplative manner is an inversion of all standards of decency. Your characterization of this as "thin-skinned" and "whiny" is utterly baseless. You'd like a more straightforward answer? I'm a human fucking being, not a "what" or an "it".
ZJemptv 2 years ago
It seems to me, that if you took a step back and thought about it, your issue is with the English language itself. Both you and I are a "what" and an "it" in the right context. There's no easy way, that I'm aware of, to ask what a person is in relation to complex gender issues. Since you revel in gender ambiguity, these questions will arise. When people ask "what are you", they do so out of ignorance, not rudeness. The correct way to deal with ignorance is to correct people, not become indignant
Scrapheap71 2 years ago
You may have a point there... But at the end of the day ZJemptv is a human being Just like you and me... Ignorance can be rude.
ohyeahbambam 2 years ago
The correct way to deal with ignorance? Really? I normally deal with it on a person by person basis. Some people are to be treated with kindness, and others like the worm cum that they are. Some people ask ZJ out of innocent ignorance, and others to just make fun, or to insult him. Why should he treat everyone the same? I thought he dealt with this perfectly. By not addressing any one person directly he could act in a neutral fashion. Which he did and it was perfectly executed.
Bongwyre2112 2 years ago
"When people ask "what are you", they do so out of ignorance, not rudeness."
You don't know this. I'm sure a lot of people find a person presenting themselves ambiguously, as ZJ does, very provocative and therefore attack such persons verbally or physically. But the inability of these people to deal with their own confusion isn't ZJ's fault or problem. IMO that's the real issue here.
LeishaCamden 2 years ago
Could you have writen a more dishonest piece of sophistry?
You dismiss, with no reason, a safe assumption that I made that a person who asks a question does so bacause the don't know the answer. Instead, you propose, without a shred of evidence, that people who ask questions, do so out of hostility. You go on to assert (again without any reason) that your hypothetical proposal is "the real issue". This leads me to one question.
Are you abjectly retarded or a mediocre troll??
Scrapheap71 2 years ago
Excuse me?? What is your problem? No, don't answer, I know. You think that everyone who disagrees with you must be an idiot and wrong. Sheesh. I can't see that I did anything other than express *my opinion* in a respectful way, and in fact, I didn't even disagree with you beyond saying that not everyone will have the same reason for asking the same question.
Do you KNOW that *everyone* who asks 'what are you?' does so out of ignorance? NO, you do not know that.
Sheesh, humans.
LeishaCamden 2 years ago
You didn't "express your opinion", you made a red-herring argument.
Now dance, monkey DANCE!!
Scrapheap71 2 years ago
I would really like to see why *your* broad sweeping statement is any less of a 'red herring' than *my* somewhat less broad and sweeping statement.
Nah, I wouldn't really.
How this is even a red herring in any way I don't know, but whatever.
'Dance, monkey, dance' ... huh, that's weird, you look like a grownup in your profile picture. But I guess that's your dad.
Now you make a joke about how I look like a turtle from my picture!! I'm done with this now, but you play if you want.
LeishaCamden 2 years ago
Not got nothing nice to say? Don't say anything, your not perfect either, and don't comment back, don't get weird idea's i'm not intimidated by you, and if you comment me back with a reply i won't comment back even if it is offensive because you just did what I asked you not to do, and if i get hate mail... I'd gunna be deleted don't waste your time, go find a diffrent video if you don't like.
KingsdownBoy 2 years ago
ZJemptv, I'm a big fan of yours and you do great videos, but I have to call bullshit on this one.
Whether you deliberatly portray yourself in a gender-ambigous manner, or you're simply comfortable with that image, you have to live with the fact that that's going to bring both good and bad things. There are those who will cheer you on, others who will be haters and some who will just go WTF? Simply because someone doesn't "get" you and is blunt about that fact, doesn't make them rude.
Scrapheap71 2 years ago
well, scrapheap71, you never have to deal with people calling you an "it".
ainefairygoddess 2 years ago
Even if people did, I would chalk it up to their ignorance, I wouldn't call them rude.
Scrapheap71 2 years ago
I've watched this video several times now and I am still very very impressed. The choice of video and music just beautifully complement what is really well written and read narration.
I think you should definitely try more stuff like this. The aesthetic complement takes it to a whole other level.
I think you've managed something that is rare. Philosophical words of this quality are rare enough, but to match it so well with visuals and music, wow, so amazingly evocative.
moopoo23 2 years ago
I had to give this another listen today. It makes me feel....optimistic. That's a strange and uncommon sensation to sprout from viewing a Youtube video. And nice, too.
FromUnderTheRock 2 years ago
Sweet!!
y0nd3r 2 years ago
well said
will3music 2 years ago
You already know that the real question isn't "What are you?" rather it's a request of you to place yourself in one of the preconceived categories which exist in that person's mind in order for him to know how to treat you.
ubermunch666 2 years ago
Yeah, yeah, very pretty. Etc. But cut the shit, alright? I mean, i agree with you on most points, if not all of the ones i've heard on this channel--you're a smart guy. But when someone asks it, just answer! Why must you dance around the acutal answer they want by just saying, "I'm a person", or other crap? It's getting old. He's a transexual guy! There's nothing wrong with that, ZJ, and from the way you're acting it seems like you think there is.
Fidellio13 2 years ago
So basically it's like, "hey, stop being so obtuse to all these rude people!"
ZJemptv 2 years ago
Hey now. I suppose you have a point, but that's not what i mean. It just seems like you're avoiding the question. Although i totally support you in what you do and don't really care what gender you are, they've asked a question with very obvious desires for an answer. Instead of telling them that you wouldn't answer it or just answering it the way they want, you dance around and make videos being very vague. While these videos are very pretty, it's not what they want and you know it.
Fidellio13 2 years ago
ZJ, why do you think it's so rude for people to ask you what you are? Or if you are a man or a woman?
You talk in this video of the insationable need to know more, the anticipation of learning something new, the desire for learning, and the joys of thought.
Now it may well be that many if not most who ask such supposedly "rude" questions of you are not pursuing any of these "higher" ideals, but just maybe some are.
moopoo23 2 years ago
I just wonder why you find it so offensive exactly. Do you think it is good and highly valuable to have secrets? To wilfully prevent the spread of knowledge?
In fact, some sense I think it is ironic that you are willing to launch into this very very deep and honest explanation of what you are as a human, as a conscious being, and yet you seem unwilling to answer what can seem like much more mundane questions relating to your gender.
moopoo23 2 years ago
I personally have no great interest in your gender identify or sexuality. I'm more interested in exploring, and perhaps nudging you to explore, your apparent sensitivities regarding these issues.
On the other hand I could understand that you may be entirely justified in not even wanting to attempt genuine conversation and interaction with the type of peopl who usualy ask these questions, simply because it would be wasted on them and little good would likely come from it....
moopoo23 2 years ago
It can seem like you are saying "This bit, this part of me, is off limits. I will not discuss it. I will not allow any investigation. I will not allow you to explore it. I will withold any knowledge I have it from you. And anyone who dares even try to examine it will be labelled 'rude.'"
Potentially quite anti-intellectual. No? Anti-philosophy. Anti-insight. Really, potentially, the antithesis, I would imagine, of some of you most cherished values.....
moopoo23 2 years ago
No to all of the above. The phrasing of the question reduces a person to a thing; it is an indignity on par with calling a person "it". Bad things follow from treating a person as an object. It is not the product of good-natured interest.
ZJemptv 2 years ago
I don't know that that's bad. Maybe I just treat objects better than you do! Hehe.
But serously....so it is the intent underlying the question that is the problem for you then.
I've seen comments on your channel questioning your gender identity, and it appears to me that at least some of them are genuinely interested in expanding their knowledge of you, and therefore of the world.
Would you answer genuine questions and curiosity about these issues with genuine answers?
moopoo23 2 years ago
I think I remember you responding at least on one occasion that these issues would not be discussed because they were "private."
Using privacy as a reason reeks of defensiveness and unwillinglyness to freely extend the intellect, mind and curiosity wherever they may lead.
moopoo23 2 years ago
I've told people plenty of times.
(I may not have told them the same thing...)
ZJemptv 2 years ago
Admittedly I haven't been following your channel for long, but I haven't seen you express you gender-self identity on youtube. I have seen you seemingly intentionally avoiding expressing it.
Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe there's value in leaving these people to keep wondering. Maybe there's other value in it that I haven't imagined.
You're a smart..ummmmmm...what are you again.....person - hopefully you've got good reasons for why you adress it as you do.
moopoo23 2 years ago
Hopefully it's "the conscious judgement that immediately steps in", not "that first impulsive reaction" that's doing the driving here. :)
moopoo23 2 years ago
Comment removed
BritishChavXD 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
you are microsoft sam
BritishChavXD 2 years ago
I'm really shocked you have to defend this video. You've completly and correctly interpreted the question posed to you and have answered perfectly. Bravo.
memonk11 2 years ago
How is it anyone else's business though? Why should they care?
LeishaCamden 2 years ago
RESPECT !!!
woxvagado 2 years ago
Is there any known causality for transgendered people being smarter than average people? I know it to be true but I am curious as to why it is.
Magnificent poetry ZJ! Thanks
matcotech 2 years ago
I know what you are - a guiding star. You remind me of everything I believe in, which motivates me to fight harder for it. Thank you.
Banneord 2 years ago
Couldn't resist another comment. This really needs to be in print somewhere.
memonk11 2 years ago
Wow, my mind has just been blown.
SuperDoomandgloom 2 years ago
Even though it makes me wish I was eloquent enough to give it higher praise, that was amazing.
memonk11 2 years ago
Wow. That was absolutely beautiful and thought provoking in a very poetic sense. Very well done, indeed.
BloodRedRavenTCM 2 years ago
Well done. Please continue to cultivate thought even through scurrility and resentment. As long as you remain competent, no one can refute you.
jrm102 2 years ago
"What are you!"
to me you are real, honest, and a symbol of reason & thought.
what you are is that which has become great then your part/mass/atom.
your something that make youtube a place I enjoy week after week.
your poof the reason is growing!